Reservoir closure and methods of manufacturing the same

ABSTRACT

A reservoir closure is provided. The reservoir closure includes a first side having a first end, a second end, and a first body extending between the first end and the second end. A second side has another first end, another second end, and a second body extending between the other first end and the other second end. A first connector is rotatably coupled to the first end of the first side and the first end of the second side. A second connector is rotatably coupled to the second end of the first side and the second end of the second side, wherein the first connector and the second connector are configured to selectively move the first side and the second side relative to each other between a first position and a second position. A first latch is rotatably coupled to the first side.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/167,123, filed on May 27, 2015, which is incorporated in its entirety by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a sealing closure, and in particular, a closure for fluid reservoirs and methods of manufacturing the reservoir closure.

Light weight, sealable bags or reservoirs are used increasingly in sporting activities, such as hiking, biking, and snow sport activities like skiing and snowboarding. Limited access to the interior of typical bags may make cleaning more difficult and may increase the potential for unclean and unsanitary bags. Once liquids placed in the bags are consumed, the remaining deposits can encourage the growth of bacteria and mold. If left uncleaned, such growth can leave stains on the bag, may retain odors, taint any other fluids subsequently introduced into the bag, and/or create health risks. Regular and thorough cleaning of the inside of the reservoir may be critical for health and convenience reasons.

Conventionally used bags for sports are typically accessible through a relatively small side port in the bag, often covered by a removable cap. The side port limits the access to the interior of the bag, thereby limiting the ability to clean the interior of the bag. Also, removing or adding large quantities of liquid to the typical bags may be cumbersome and messy due to the limited and constrained access to reservoir via the side port. The side ports may also limit the flow rate into and/or out of the bag, slowing the process of removing excess fluid from the bag or loading fluid into the bag.

Zipper-type closures have been developed for bags in some uses. Zipper closures allow for larger and wider openings than typical side ports, thereby allowing easy cleaning of the interior of the bags. Zipper openings also facilitate the process of removing and/or adding fluid to the bag. However, common zipper closures may not be suitable for many sporting activities. The bags often receive forceful blows during regular use, causing large increases in fluid pressure inside the bag. Elements used to dose the opening often need to be reinforced for higher pressures to ensure closure during use. For example, the caps on side ports are often threaded. However, zippers are often only a small portion of the length of the entire opening, leaving much of the opening exposed to rupturing upon increased reservoir fluid pressure.

Therefore, a closeable reservoir system is desired that is capable of facilitating internal reservoir cleaning. A closeable reservoir system is also desired that can provide rapid, convenient and clean liquid addition and/or removal. It is also desired to have a closeable reservoir system that can withstand significantly increased fluid pressures without leaking. A closeable reservoir system is also desired that facilitates convenient and fast opening/closing of the bag.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a reservoir closure is provided. The reservoir closure includes a first side having a first end, a second end, and a first body extending between the first end and the second end. A second side is coupled to the first side and has another first end, another second end, and a second body extending between the other first end and the other second end. A first connector is rotatably coupled to the first end of the first side and the first end of the second side. A second connector is rotatably coupled to the second end of the first side and the second end of the second side, wherein the first connector and the second connector are configured to selectively move the first side and the second side relative to each other between a first position and a second position. A first latch is rotatably coupled to the first body and configured to couple to the second body when the first side and the second side are in the second position.

In a further aspect, a reservoir assembly is provided. The reservoir assembly includes a fluid reservoir having a first end and a second end. The reservoir assembly further includes a reservoir closure coupled to the first end. The reservoir closure includes a first side having a first end, a second end, and a first body extending between the first end and the second end. A second side is coupled to the first side and has another first end, another second end, and a second body extending between the other first end and the other second end. A first connector is rotatably coupled to the first end of the first side and the first end of the second side. A second connector is rotatably coupled to the second end of the first side and the second end of the second side, wherein the first connector and the second connector are configured to selectively move the first side and the second side relative to each other between a first position and a second position. A first latch is rotatably coupled to the first body and configured to couple to the second body when the first side and the second side are in the second position.

In yet another aspect, a method of manufacturing a reservoir closure having a first side and a second side is provided. The method includes coupling a first connector to the first side and the second side; coupling a second connector to the first side and the second side; coupling a first latch to the first side; and coupling a second latch to the second side.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following Detailed Description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective of an exemplary reservoir closure in an open position of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the reservoir closure shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the reservoir closure shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an end view of the reservoir closure shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the reservoir closure in a partially opened position;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the reservoir closure shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the reservoir closure shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is an end view of the reservoir closure shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the reservoir closure in closed position;

FIG. 10 is a top view of the reservoir closure shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the reservoir closure shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is an end view of the reservoir closure shown in FIG. 9; and

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of manufacturing the reservoir closure shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to sealing an enclosure, such as a fluid reservoir. The placement and configurations used in the reservoir closure provide a user with various means for convenient and efficient use of the reservoir. The present disclosure also provides the user with various means for efficient and safe filling, emptying, and/or cleaning of the reservoir. The closure is configured to couple to a variety of fluid reservoirs, wherein the fluid reservoir can contain contents such as liquids, solids, and/or gases at a variety of pressures. The embodiments described herein include a variety of types of configurations, and the description and figures that utilize a bag reservoir are exemplary only.

The reservoir closure may be made of a variety of materials. Moreover, the reservoir closure includes a variety of shapes and sizes, while coupling to a variety of differently sized and shaped fluid reservoirs. The material of the reservoir closure may include polyethylene, such as high density polyethylene (HDPE or low density polyethylene (LDPE) (e.g., linear LDPE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyurethane (e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or combinations thereof. The reservoir closure may be removably coupled to a fluid reservoir having any shape, size, and material composition.

FIG. 1 is a perspective of a reservoir closure 10 in a first position 12 such as an open position. FIG. 2 is a top view of the reservoir closure 10. FIG. 3 is a side view of the reservoir closure 10. FIG. 4 is an end view of the reservoir closure 10. In the exemplary embodiment, the reservoir closure 10 includes a first side 14 and second side 16 connected thereto. Moreover, the reservoir closure 10 includes a first connector 18 and a second connector 20, wherein the first connector 18 and the second connector 20 are coupled to the first side 14 and the second side 16. More particularly, the first connector 18 is rotatably coupled to at least one of the first side 14 and the second side 16, and the second connector 20 is rotatably coupled to at least one of the first side 14 and the second side 16. The first connector 18 and the second connector 20 are configured to reciprocally and selectively move the first side 14 and the second side 16 relative to each other between the first position 12 and to a second position 22 (shown in FIGS. 9-12). In an embodiment, the first connector 18 and the second connector 20 can removably couple to the first side 14 and the second side 16 to facilitate efficient and convenient replacement of the first side 14 and the second side 16 to adjust, for example, for different lengths of the first side 14 and the second side 16 to connect to a variety of reservoirs 80. Alternatively, the first connector 18 and the second connector 20 can be removed and/or replaced. The first side 14, the second side 16, the first connector 18, and the second connector 20 can also be replaced for maintenance reasons.

In the exemplary embodiment, the first connector 18 includes a first connector tab 24 and the second connector 20 includes a second connector tab 26. Moreover, the first connector 18 includes a first sloped ridge 28 and the second connector 20 includes a second sloped ridge 30. The first sloped ridge 28 and the second sloped ridge 30 can include a plurality of angles relative to the first connector 18 and the second connector 20. Alternatively, ridges 28 and 30 can be substantially planar or flat relative to the first connector 18 and the second connector 20. Additionally, the first connector 18 includes a first connector groove 32 and the second connector 20 includes a second connector groove 33. The first side 14 includes a first end 34, a second end 36, and a first body 38 extending between the first end 34 and the second end 36. The first end 34 and the second end 36 are curvilinear shaped and the first body 38 has substantially straight or smooth opposing walls 40, 42. The first body 38 includes a first tab 44 that is positioned near the first end 34 and extending outward from the first body 38. The first tab 44 includes a first tab groove 46 orientated toward the wall 42. A first handle 48 is coupled to the first body 38 and extends outward from the first body 38. The first handle 48 is U-shaped to form a first finger slot there through. Alternatively, the first handle 48 can include any shape to facilitate grasping the first body 38.

A first latch 50 of the reservoir closure 10 is coupled to the first body 38, and preferably positioned between the second end 36 and the first handle 48. The first latch 50 can be slidably coupled or fixedly coupled to the first body 38. The first latch 50 can couple to the first body 38 in any manner to enable the reservoir closure 10 to function as described herein. In the exemplary embodiment, the first latch 50 is rotatably coupled to the first body 38 and configured to reciprocally rotate relative to the opposing walls 40, 42. The first latch 50 includes a lip 52 extending outward there from, wherein the lip 52 is configured to couple to the second body 60 when the first side 14 and the second side 16 are in the second position 22 as described herein. More particularly, the lip 52 of the first latch 50 is configured to couple to the second connector 20. In the exemplary embodiment, the first latch 50 includes a first sloped surface 54 for at least handling and/or ergonomic reasons. Alternatively, surface 54 can be non-sloped for at handling and/or ergonomic reasons.

The second side 16 includes a first end 56, a second end 58, and a second body 60 extending between the first end 56 and the second end 58. The first end 56 and the second end 58 are curvilinear shaped and the second body 60 has substantially straight or smooth opposing walls 62, 64. The second body 60 includes a second tab 66 positioned near the first end 56 and extending outward from the second body 60. The second tab 66 includes a second tab groove 68 orientated toward the wall 64. A second handle 70 is coupled to the second body 60 and extends away from the second body 60. The second handle 70 is U-shaped to form another finger slot there through. Alternatively, the second handle 70 can include any shape to facilitate grasping the second handle 70.

A second latch 72 of the reservoir closure 10 is coupled to the second body 60, and preferably between the second end 56 and the second handle 70. The second latch 72 can be slidably coupled or fixedly coupled to the second body 60. The second latch 72 can couple to the second body 60 in any manner to enable the reservoir closure 10 to function as described herein. In the exemplary embodiment, the second latch 72 is rotatably coupled to the second body 60 and configured to reciprocally rotate relative to the opposing walls 62, 64. The second latch 72 includes a lip 74 extending outward therefrom, wherein the lip 74 is configured to couple to the first body 38 when the first side 14 and the second side 16 are in the second position 22 as described herein. More particularly, the lip 74 of the second latch 72 is configured to couple to the first connector 18. In the exemplary embodiment, the second latch 72 includes a second sloped surface 76 for at least handling and/or ergonomic reasons. Alternatively, surface 76 can be non-sloped for at handling and/or ergonomic reasons

When the first side 14 and the second side 16 are in the first position 12, the first side 14 and the second side 16 are spaced apart and in parallel to each other to form an opening 78 in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir 80. Accordingly, the first latch 50 and the second latch 72 are also spaced apart and in parallel to each other. Moreover, when the first side 14 and the second side 16 are in the first position 12, the first tab groove 46 and the second connector groove 33 are perpendicular to each other. Additionally, when the first side 14 and the second side 16 are in the first position 12, the second tab groove 68 and the first connector groove 32 are perpendicular to each other.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the reservoir closure 10 in a partially opened position 82. FIG. 6 is a top view of the reservoir closure 10 in the partially opened position 82. FIG. 7 is a side view of the reservoir closure 10 in the partially opened position 82. FIG. 8 is an end view of the reservoir closure 10 in the partially opened position 82. In the exemplary embodiment, the first connector 18 is rotatably coupled to the first end 34 of the first side 14 and the first end 56 of the second side 16. In an embodiment, pivot pins 84 are configured to couple together the first side 14, the second side 16, and the first connector 18. The second connector 20 is rotatably coupled to the second end 36 of the first side 14 and the second end 58 of the second side 16 by, for example only, the pivot pins 84. The first connector 18 and the second connector 20 are configured to reciprocally and selectively move the first side 14 and the second side 16 toward each other to partially close the opening 78 that is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir 80. The first connector 18 and the second connector 20 are also configured to reciprocally and selectively move the first side 14 and the second side 16 away from each other to partially open the opening 78 that is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir 80.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the reservoir closure 10 in the second position 22 or closed position. FIG. 10 is a top view of the reservoir closure 10 in the second position 22. FIG. 11 is a side view of the reservoir closure 10 shown in the second position 22. FIG. 12 is an end view of the reservoir closure 10 shown in the second position 22. In the second position 22, the first side 14 and the second side 16 are coupled to each other by at least one of the first latch 50 (shown in FIG. 1), the second latch 72, the first tab 44 (shown in FIG. 1), the second tab 66, the first connector tab 24, and the second connector tab 26. In the second position 22, the first side 14 and the second side 16 close the opening 78 (shown in FIG. 1) to seal the fluid reservoir 80 from the environment. To facilitate closing the reservoir closure 10, the first side 14, the second side 16, the first connector 18, the second connector 20, the first latch 50, and the second latch 72 can be color-coded to match up the respective components with each other.

In the second position 22, the first handle 48 and the second handle 70 abut each other. Moreover, in the second position 22, the first latch 50 and the second latch 72 are collinearly aligned relative and parallel to one another. Additionally, when the first side 14 and second side 16 are in the second position 22, the first tab groove 46 and the second connector groove 33 are collinearly aligned to each other. The second tab groove 68 and the first connector groove 32 are also collinearly aligned when the first side 14 and the second side 16 are in the second position 22.

In the second position 22, the first latch 50 is configured to rotate and removably couple to the second body 60. More particularly, the first latch 50 is configured to removably couple to the second tab 66. Additionally, the second connector tab 26 is configured to removably couple to the first latch 50. More particularly, the lip 52 of the first latch 50 is configured to removably couple to at least one of the second tab groove 68 and to the second connector groove 33. In the second position 22, the first sloped surface 54 is configured to align with the second sloped ridge 30.

Moreover, in the second position 22, the second latch 72 is configured to rotate and removably couple to the first body 38. More particularly, the second latch 72 is configured to removably coupled to the first tab 44. Additionally, the first connector tab 24 is configured to removably couple to the second latch 72. More particularly, the lip 74 of the second latch 72 is configured to removably couple to the first tab groove 46 and to the first connector groove 32. In the second position 22, the second sloped surface 76 is configured to align with the first sloped ridge 28. The alignment of the first sloped surface 54 with the second sloped ridge 30 and the alignment of the second sloped surface 76 with the first sloped ridge 28 facilitate forming a smooth or streamlined outer surface for the reservoir closure 10 in the closed position 22.

The reservoir closure 10 is configured to provide efficient, convenient, and rapid access to the interior of the fluid reservoir 80 to facilitate enhanced cleaning of the fluid reservoir 80 while decreasing growth of bacteria and/or mold. Additionally, the reservoir closure 10 is configured to minimize or eliminate stains on within the fluid reservoir 80 and/or tainting of additional fluids placed in the fluid reservoir 80. Moreover, the reservoir closure 10 is configured to facilitate efficient, convenient, and rapid filling and removing large quantities of fluid relative to the fluid reservoir 80. The reservoir closure 10 is configured to withstand increased pressures of fluids present in the fluid reservoir 80. Moreover, the reservoir closure 10 is configured to facilitate efficient, convenient, and rapid opening and closing of the fluid reservoir 80.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 1300 of manufacturing the reservoir closure 10 (shown in FIG. 1) having the first side 14 and the second side 16 (shown in FIG. 1). Method 1300 includes coupling 1302 the first connector 18 to the first side 14 and the second side 16. The second connector 20 is coupled 1304 to the first side 14 and the second side 16. The method 1300 further includes coupling 1306 the first latch 50 to the first side 14. The second latch 72 is coupled 1308 to the second side 16. Still further, the method 1300 includes coupling the handle 48 to at least one of the first side 14 and the second side 16. The first tab 44 is coupled to the first side 14 and the second tab 66 is coupled to the second side 16. The method 1300 also includes coupling the first connector tab 24 to the first connector 18. The method further includes coupling the second connector tab 26 to the second connector 20.

During an exemplary operation, with the first side 14 and the second side in the first position 12, the first side 14 and the second side 16 are spaced apart forming the opening 78 to facilitate access to the reservoir 80. In the first position 12, the user can fill, empty, and/or clean the inside of the reservoir 80. The user can move the reservoir closure 10 from the first position 12 to the partially open position 82. More particularly, the user pushes the first side 14 and the second side 16. The first side 14 and the second side 16 rotate relative to the first connector 18 and the second connector 20 via pivot pins 84. The first connector 18 and second connector 20 reciprocally and selectively move the first side 14 and the second side 16 toward each other to partially open the opening at 78.

The user continues to move the first side 14 and the second side 16 from the partially open position 82 to the second position 22. In the second position 22, the first side 14 and second side 16 rotate to abut or touch each other to close the opening 78 and seal the fluid reservoir 80 from the environment. In the second position 22, the first latch 50 rotates towards the second body 60 and removably couples to the second tab 66. Additionally, the second connector tab 26 removably couples to the first latch 50. During use, the lip 52 of the first latch 50 removable couples to at least one of the second tab groove 68 and the second connector groove 33. Additionally, in the second position 22, the second latch 72 rotates towards the first body 38 and removably couples to the first tab 44. The first connector tab 24 removably couples to the second latch 72. Additionally, the lip 74 of the second latch 72 removably couples to at least one of the first tab group 46 and to the first connector groove 32.

Exemplary embodiments of a reservoir closure are described herein. The methods and assemblies are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of assemblies and/or steps of the methods may be utilized independently and separately from other components and/or steps described herein. For example, the methods may also be used in combination with other assemblies and methods, and are not limited to practice with only the assemblies and methods described herein. Rather, the exemplary embodiments may be implemented and utilized in connection with many other bottles and/or fluid containers.

Although specific features of various embodiments of the invention may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the invention, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using devices or assemblies or systems and performing any incorporated method. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A reservoir closure comprising: a first side comprising a first end, a second end, and a first body extending between the first end and the second end; a second side coupled to the first side and comprising another first end, another second end, and a second body extending between the other first end and the other second end; a first connector rotatably coupled to the first end of the first side and the first end of the second side; a second connector rotatably coupled to the second end of the first side and the second end of the second side, wherein the first connector and the second connector are configured to selectively move the first side and the second side relative to each other between a first position and a second position; and a first latch rotatably coupled to the first body and configured to couple to the second body when the first side and the second side are in the second position.
 2. The reservoir closure of claim 1, further comprising a second latch rotatably coupled to the second body and configured to couple to the first body when the first side and the second side are in the second position.
 3. The reservoir closure of claim 2, wherein the first body comprises a first tab configured to couple to the second latch.
 4. The reservoir closure of claim 3, wherein the second body comprises a second tab configured to couple to the first latch.
 5. The reservoir closure of claim 2, wherein the first connector comprises a first connector tab configured to couple to the second latch.
 6. The reservoir closure of claim 5, wherein the second connector comprises a second connector tab configured to couple to the first latch.
 7. The reservoir closure of claim 1, wherein the first latch is configured to couple to the second connector.
 8. The reservoir closure of claim 2, wherein the second latch is configured to couple to the first connector.
 9. The reservoir closure of claim 2, wherein, in the first position, the first latch and the second latch are spaced apart and in parallel to each other.
 10. The reservoir closure of claim 2, wherein, in the second position, the first latch and the second latch are co-linearly aligned relative to each other.
 11. The reservoir closure of claim 1, further comprising a handle coupled to at least one of the first body and the second body.
 12. The reservoir closure of claim 1, wherein the first connector comprises a first sloped ridge and the second connector comprises a second sloped ridge.
 13. The reservoir closure of claim 12, wherein the first latch comprises a first sloped surface which is configured to align with the second sloped ridge when the first side and the second side are in the second position.
 14. The reservoir closure of claim 12, wherein the second latch comprises a second sloped surface which is configured to align with the first sloped ridge when the first side and the second side are in the second position.
 15. The reservoir closure of claim 2, wherein the first side, the second side, the first connector, the second connector, the first latch, and the second latch are color coded.
 16. The reservoir closure of claim 2, wherein the first tab comprises a first tab groove and the second tab comprises a second tab groove.
 17. The reservoir closure of claim 16, wherein the first connector comprises a first connector groove and the second connector comprises a second connector groove.
 18. The reservoir closure of claim 17, wherein the first tab groove and the second connector groove are perpendicular to each other when the first side and the second side are in the first position and the second tab groove and the first connector groove are perpendicular when the first side and the second side are in the first position.
 19. The reservoir closure of claim 18, wherein the first tab groove and the second connector groove are co-linear to each other when the first side and the second side are in the second position and the second tab groove and the first connector groove are co-linear when the first side and the second side are in the second position.
 20. A reservoir assembly comprising: a reservoir bag having a first end and a second end; and a reservoir closure coupled to the first end, the reservoir closure comprising: a first side comprising a first end, a second end, and a first body extending between the first end and the second end; a second side coupled to the second side and comprising another first end, another second end, and a second body extending between the other first end and the other second end; a first connector rotatably coupled to the first end of the first side and the first end of the second side; a second connector rotatably coupled to the second end of the first side and the second end of the second side, wherein the first connector and the second connector are configured to selectively move the first side and the second side relative to each other between a first position and a second position; and a first latch rotatably coupled to the first body and configured to couple to the second body when the first side and the second side are in the second position.
 21. The reservoir assembly of claim 20, wherein the reservoir closure is removably coupled to the first end.
 22. A method of manufacturing a reservoir closure having a first side and a second side, the method comprising: coupling a first connector to the first side and the second side; coupling a second connector to the first side and the second side; coupling a first latch to the first side; and coupling a second latch to the second side.
 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising coupling a handle to at least one of the first side and the second side.
 24. The method of claim 22, further comprising coupling a first tab to the first side and coupling a second tab to the second side.
 25. The method of claim 22, further comprising coupling a first connector tab to the first connector.
 26. The method of claim 22, further comprising coupling a second connector tab to the second connector. 